US11408705B2 - Reduced length crossbow - Google Patents

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Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
  • F41B5/12—Crossbows
  • F41B5/123—Compound crossbows
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
  • F41B5/10—Compound bows
  • F41B5/105—Cams or pulleys for compound bows
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
  • F41B5/06—Quivers
  • F41B5/066—Quivers mounted on the bow or crossbow
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
  • F41B5/14—Details of bows; Accessories for arc shooting
  • F41B5/1403—Details of bows
  • F41B5/143—Arrow rests or guides
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B5/00—Bows; Crossbows
  • F41B5/14—Details of bows; Accessories for arc shooting
  • F41B5/1442—Accessories for arc or bow shooting
  • F41B5/1469—Bow-string drawing or releasing devices
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F41—WEAPONS
  • F41B—WEAPONS FOR PROJECTING MISSILES WITHOUT USE OF EXPLOSIVE OR COMBUSTIBLE PROPELLANT CHARGE; WEAPONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F41B7/00—Spring guns
  • F41B7/04—Spring guns adapted to discharge harpoons
  • F41B7/043—Accessories therefor
  • F41B7/046—Trigger mechanisms therefor
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
  • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
  • F42B6/00—Projectiles or missiles specially adapted for projection without use of explosive or combustible propellant charge, e.g. for blow guns, bows or crossbows, hand-held spring or air guns
  • F42B6/02—Arrows; Crossbow bolts; Harpoons for hand-held spring or air guns
  • F42B6/04—Archery arrows
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
  • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
  • F42B6/00—Projectiles or missiles specially adapted for projection without use of explosive or combustible propellant charge, e.g. for blow guns, bows or crossbows, hand-held spring or air guns
  • F42B6/02—Arrows; Crossbow bolts; Harpoons for hand-held spring or air guns
  • F42B6/04—Archery arrows
  • F42B6/06—Tail ends, e.g. nocks, fletching
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
  • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
  • F42B6/00—Projectiles or missiles specially adapted for projection without use of explosive or combustible propellant charge, e.g. for blow guns, bows or crossbows, hand-held spring or air guns
  • F42B6/02—Arrows; Crossbow bolts; Harpoons for hand-held spring or air guns
  • F42B6/08—Arrow heads; Harpoon heads

Definitions

• the present disclosure is directed to a reduced length crossbow with a trigger located near a midpoint of the crossbow and a small included angle of the draw string when in the drawing configuration that creates a space between the draw string and the user's face.
• Bows have been used for many years as a weapon for hunting and target shooting. More advanced bows include cams that increase the mechanical advantage associated with the draw of the bowstring. The cams are configured to yield a decrease in draw force near full draw. Such cams preferably use power cables that load the bow limbs. Power cables can also be used to synchronize rotation of the cams, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,979 (Yehle).
• the draw string can be positioned on the down-range side of the string guides so that the draw string unrolls between the string guides toward the user as the bow is drawn, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,871 (Kempf) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,693 (Kemp).
• One drawback of this configuration is that the power cables can limit the rotation of the cams to about 270 degrees.
• the diameter of the pulleys needs to be increased. Increasing the size of the pulleys results in a larger and less usable bow.
• FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a string guide system for a bow that includes power cables 20 A, 20 B (“ 20 ”) attached to respective string guides 22 A, 22 B (“ 22 ”) at first attachment points 24 A, 24 B (“ 24 ”).
• the second ends 26 A, 26 B (“ 26 ”) of the power cables 20 are attached to the axles 28 A, 28 B (“ 28 ”) of the opposite string guides 22 .
• Draw string 30 engages down-range edges 46 A, 46 B of string guides 22 and is attached at draw string attachment points 44 A, 44 B (“ 44 ”)
• the string guides 22 counter-rotate toward each other about 270 degrees.
• the draw string 30 unwinds between the string guides 22 from opposing cam journals 48 A, 48 B (“ 48 ”) in what is referred to as a reverse draw configuration.
• the power cables 20 are wrapped around respective power cable take-up journal of the string guides 22 , which in turn bends the limbs toward each other to store the energy needed for the bow to fire the arrow.
• the present disclosure is directed to a reduced length crossbow with a trigger located near a midpoint of the crossbow and a small included angle of the draw string when in the drawing configuration that creates a space between the draw string and the user's face.
• the included angle of the draw string when in the drawing configuration of less than about 25 degrees.
• the reduced length crossbow includes first and second bow limbs attached to a center rail.
• a draw string extends across the center rail and translates between a released configuration and a drawn configuration.
• a string carrier captured by the center rail that slides forward to engage with the draw string in the released configuration and slides to a retracted position that locates the draw string in the drawn configuration.
• the string carrier includes a catch movable between a closed position that engages the draw string and an open position that releases the draw string, and a sear moveable between a cocked position coupled with the catch to retain the catch in the closed position and a de-cocked position that release the catch to the open position.
• a dry fire lockout is moveable between a disengaged position and a lockout position that retains the catch in the closed position.
• a cocking mechanism retracts the string carrier to the retracted position and the draw string to the drawn configuration. In the drawn configuration, the draw string has an included angle of less than about 25 degrees.
• a trigger is mounted on the center rail near a midpoint of an overall length of the crossbow. The trigger is configured to engage with the catch when the string carrier is in the retracted position to move the catch from the closed position to the open position.
• the trigger is located proximate the midpoint within about 10% of the overall length of the crossbow. In another embodiment, the trigger is located proximate the midpoint within about 5% of the overall length of the crossbow. In one embodiment, the center of gravity of the crossbow is located proximate the midpoint within about 10% of the overall length of the crossbow.
• the included angle can be less than about 20 degrees.
• the string carrier optionally includes a safety moveable between a free position and a safe position that retains the catch in the closed position.
• the string carrier is preferably constrained to move in a single degree of freedom while sliding along the center rail between the release configuration and the drawn configuration.
• the cocking mechanism includes a rotating member mounted to the center rail coupled to a flexible tension member attached to the string carrier, and a cocking handle configured to engage with and rotate the rotating member to move the string carrier to the retracted position.
• a torque control mechanism is preferably located in one of the cocking handle or a stock of the crossbow.
• a release for the cocking mechanism is located on a butt plate of the stock.
• the cocking mechanism includes at least one cocking rope configured to releasably engage with the string carrier to retract the string carrier and the draw string to the drawn configuration.
• a retaining mechanism on the crossbow releasably retains the string carrier in the retracted position and the draw string in the drawn configuration independent of the at least one cocking ropes.
• the reduced length crossbow includes a first string guide mounted to the first bow limb and rotatable around a first axis.
• the first string guide includes a first draw string journal having a first plane of rotation perpendicular to the first axis, and at least one first power cable take-up journal.
• a second string guide is mounted to the second bow limb and rotatable around a second axis.
• the second string guide includes a second draw string journal having a second plane of rotation perpendicular to the second axis, and at least one second power cable take-up journal.
• a draw string unwinds from the first and second string guide journals as it translates between a released configuration and a drawn configuration.
• First and second power cables are received in the first and second power cable take-up journals on each of the first and second string guides.
• the axle-to-axle separation between the first and second string guides in the drawing configuration is about 7 inches or less.
• the draw string translates from the release configuration to the drawn configuration having a power stroke of about 10 inches to about 15 inches.
• the reduced length crossbow includes a first string guide mounted to the first bow limb and rotatable around a first axis.
• the first string guide includes a first draw string journal having a first plane of rotation perpendicular to the first axis.
• a first power cable journal is located on one side of the first draw string journal, and a second power cable journal is located on an opposite side of the first draw string journal.
• the first and second power cable journals have paths that are not co-planar with the first plane of rotation.
• a second string guide is mounted to the second bow limb and rotatable around a second axis.
• the second string guide includes a second draw string journal having a second plane of rotation perpendicular to the second axis.
• a third power cable journal is located on one side of the second draw string journal and a fourth power cable journal is located on an opposite side of the second draw string journal.
• the third and fourth power cable journals have paths that are not co-planar with the second plane of rotation.
• at least the first and third power cable journals include helical journals.
• the present disclosure is also directed to a reduced length crossbow having first and second bow limbs attached to a center rail.
• a first string guide is mounted to the first bow limb and rotatable around a first axis.
• the first string guide includes a first draw string journal having a first plane of rotation perpendicular to the first axis, and at least one first power cable take-up journal.
• a second string guide mounted to the second bow limb and rotatable around a second axis.
• the second string guide includes a second draw string journal having a second plane of rotation perpendicular to the second axis, and at least one second power cable take-up journal.
• a draw string received in the first and second draw string journals and secured to the first and second string guides, wherein the draw string unwinds from the first and second draw string journals as it translates between a released configuration to a drawn configuration, wherein the draw string in the drawn configuration have an included angle of less than about 25 degrees.
• First and second power cables are received in the first and second power cable take-up journals on each of the first and second string guides.
• a trigger is mounted on the center rail near a midpoint of an overall length of the crossbow, wherein the trigger is located proximate the midpoint within about 10% of the overall length of the crossbow.
• the present disclosure is also directed to a method of operating a reduced length crossbow having at least first and second flexible limbs attached to a center rail and a draw string that translates along the center rail between a released configuration and a drawn configuration.
• the method includes moving a string carrier captured to slide in the center rail along the center rail into engagement with the draw string when in the released configuration.
• a catch on the string carrier is moved from an open position to a closed position that engages the draw string and a sear is moved from a de-cocked position to a cocked position coupled with the catch to retain the catch in the closed position.
• a dry fire lockout is moved from the disengaged position to a lockout position that blocks the catch from moving to the open position.
• a string carrier and the draw string are retracted to the drawn configuration so the draw string has an included angle of less than about 25 degrees.
• the string carrier is engaged with a trigger mounted on the center rail proximate the midpoint within about 10% of the overall length of the crossbow.
• the trigger is configured to engage with the catch when the string carrier is in the retracted position to move the catch from the closed position to the open position.
• the center of gravity of the crossbow is proximate the midpoint within about 10% of the overall length of the crossbow.
• the string carrier and the draw string are retracted to the drawn configuration so the draw string has an included angle of less than about 20 degrees.
• FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a prior art string guide system for a bow in a released configuration.
• FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the string guide system of FIG. 1 in a drawn configuration.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the string guide system of FIG. 1 in a drawn configuration.
• FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a string guide system for a bow with a helical take-up journal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the string guide system of FIG. 4 in a drawn configuration.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the string guide system of FIG. 4 in a drawn configuration.
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the left string guide of the string guide system of FIG. 4 .
• FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the right string guide of the string guide system of FIG. 4 .
• FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of a power cable take-up journal sized to receive two full wraps of the power cable in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of a power cable take-up journal and draw string journal sized to receive two full wraps of the power cable and draw string in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 9C is an enlarged view of an elongated power cable take-up journal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a bow with a string guide system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an alternate bow with a string guide system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an alternate dual-cam bow with a string guide system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B are top and side views of a crossbow with helical power cable journals in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 14A is an enlarged top view of the crossbow of FIG. 13A .
• FIG. 14B is an enlarged bottom view of the crossbow of FIG. 13A .
• FIG. 14C illustrates an arrow rest in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 14D and 14E illustrate the cocking handle for the crossbow of FIG. 13A .
• FIGS. 14F and 14G illustrate the quiver for the crossbow of FIG. 13A .
• FIG. 15 is a front view of the crossbow of FIG. 13A .
• FIGS. 16A and 16B are top and bottom views of cams with helical power cable journals in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 17A and 17B are opposite side view of a trigger assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 17C is a side view of the trigger of FIG. 17A with a bolt engaged with the draw string in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 17D is a perspective view of a low friction interface at a rear edge of a string catch in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate operation of the trigger mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a cocking mechanism for a crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a crossbow in a release configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate the cams of the crossbow of FIGS. 21A and 21B in the release configuration.
• FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate the crossbow of FIGS. 21A and 21B in a drawn configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C illustrate the cams of the crossbow of FIGS. 23A and 23B in the drawn configuration.
• FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an alternate trigger assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 25C is a front view of an alternate string carrier for the crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 25D-25F are various view of a nock for use in an arrow assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 25G is an exploded view of an arrow assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 25H is a perspective view of a lighted nock assembly suitable for use with an arrow assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate an alternate cocking handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 27A-27D illustrate an alternate tunable arrow rest for a crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 28A-28F illustrate alternate cocking systems for a crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 29 illustrates capture of the string carrier in the center rail illustrated in FIG. 13B .
• FIGS. 30A-30E illustrate an alternate cocking system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 31A-31C are perspective, side, and top views of a reduced length crossbow in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a trigger system for the reduced length crossbow of FIGS. 31A-C .
• FIG. 4 illustrates a string guide system 90 for a bow with a reverse draw configuration 92 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Power cables 102 A, 102 B (“ 102 ”) are attached to respective string guides 104 A, 104 B (“ 104 ”) at first attachment points 106 A, 106 B (“ 106 ”).
• Second ends 108 A, 108 B (“ 108 ”) of the power cables 102 are attached to axles 110 A, 110 B (“ 110 ”) of the opposite string guides 104 .
• the power cables 102 wrap around power cable take-ups 112 A, 112 B (“ 112 ”) located on the respective cam assembles 104 when in the released configuration 116 of FIG. 4 .
• the draw string 114 is located adjacent down-range side 94 of the string guide system 70 when in the released configuration 116 .
• the distance between the axles 110 may be in the range of less than about 16 inches to less than about 10 inches.
• the distance between the axles 110 may be in the range of about between about 6 inches to about 8 inches, and more preferably about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In one embodiment, the distance between the axles 110 in the drawn configuration 118 is less than about 6 inches, and alternatively, less than about 4 inches. In another embodiment, the distance between the axles 110 in the drawn configuration 118 is about 7 inches or less.
• Bowstring and draw string are used interchangeably herein to the primary string used to launch arrows.
• the draw string 114 translates from the down-range side 94 toward the up-range side 96 and unwinds between the first and second string guides 104 in a drawn configuration 118 .
• the string guides 104 counter-rotate toward each other in directions 120 more than 360 degrees as the draw string 114 unwinds between the string guides 104 from opposing cam journals 130 A, 130 B (“ 130 ”).
• the string guides 104 each include one or more grooves, channels or journals located between two flanges around at least a portion of its circumference that guides a flexible member, such as a rope, string, belt, chain, and the like.
• the string guides can be cams or pulleys with a variety of round and non-round shapes.
• the axis of rotation can be located concentrically or eccentrically relative to the string guides.
• the power cables and draw strings can be any elongated flexible member, such as woven and non-woven filaments of synthetic or natural materials, cables, belts, chains, and the like.
• the power cables 102 are wrapped onto cams 126 A, 126 B (“ 126 ”) with helical journals 122 A, 122 B (“ 122 ”), preferably located at the respective axles 110 .
• the helical journals 122 take up excess slack in the power cables 102 resulting from the string guides 104 moving toward each other in direction 124 as the axles 110 move toward each other.
• the helical journals 122 serve to displace the power cables 102 away from the string guides 104 , so the first attachment points 106 do not contact the power cables 102 while the bow is being drawn (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ).
• rotation of the string guides 104 is limited only by the length of the draw string journals 130 A, 103 B (“ 130 ”).
• the draw string journals 130 can also be helically in nature, wrapping around the axles 110 more than 360 degrees.
• the power stroke 132 is extended.
• the power stroke 132 can be increased by at least 25%, and preferably by 40% or more, without changing the diameter of the string guides 104 .
• the power stroke 132 can be in the range of about 8 inches to about 20 inches.
• the present disclosure permits crossbows that generate kinetic energy of greater than 70 ft.-lbs. of energy with a power stroke of about 8 inches to about 15 inches. In another embodiment, the present disclosure permits a crossbow that generates kinetic energy of greater than 125 ft.-lbs. of energy with a power stroke of about 10 inches to about 15 inches.
• the geometric profiles of the draw string journals 130 and the helical journals 122 contribute to let-off at full draw.
• cams suitable for use in bows is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,305,979 (Yehle), which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• the crossbow is designed so the draw weight increases continuously to full draw.
• the slope of the power curve (draw force vs displacement) is positive as the draw string moves from the released configuration to the drawn configuration.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 are enlarged views of the string guides 104 A, 104 B, respectively, with the draw string 114 in the drawn configuration 118 .
• the helical journals 122 have a length corresponding generally to one full wrap of the power cables 102 .
• the axes of rotation 146 A, 146 B (“ 146 ”) of the first and second helical journals 122 preferably extend generally perpendicular to a plane of rotation of the first and second string guides 104 .
• the helical journals 122 displace the power cables 102 away from the draw string 114 as the bow is drawn from the released configuration 116 to the drawn configuration 118 .
• Height 140 of the helical journals 122 raises the power cables 102 above top surface 142 of the string guides 104 .
• the resulting gap 144 permits the first attachment points 106 and the power cable take-ups 112 to pass freely under the power cables 102 .
• the length of the helical journals 122 can be increased or decreased to optimize draw force versus draw distance for the bow and let-off.
• the axes of rotation 146 of the helical journals 122 are preferably co-linear with axes 110 of rotation for the string guides 104 .
• FIG. 9A illustrates an alternate string guide 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Power cable take-ups 202 have helical journals 204 that permit the power cables 102 to wrap around about two full turns or about 720 degrees.
• the extended power cable take-up 202 increases the gap 206 between the power cables 102 and top surface 208 of the string guide 200 and provides excess capacity to accommodate more than 360 degrees of rotation of the string guides 200 .
• FIG. 9B illustrates an alternate string guide 250 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the draw string journals 252 and the power cable journals 254 are both helical structures designed so that the draw string 114 and the power cables 102 can wrap two full turns around the string guide 250 .
• FIG. 9C illustrates an alternate string guide 270 with a smooth power cable take-up 272 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the power cable take-up 272 has a surface 274 with a height 276 at least twice a diameter 278 of the power cable 102 .
• the surface 274 has a height 276 at least three times the diameter 278 of the power cable 102 .
• Biasing force 280 such as from a cable guard located on the bow shifts the power cables 102 along the surface 274 away from top surface 282 of the string guide 270 when in the drawn configuration 284 .
• FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of bow 150 with a string guide system 152 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Bow limbs 154 A, 154 B (“ 154 ”) extend oppositely from riser 156 .
• String guides 158 A, 158 B (“ 158 ”) are rotatably mounted, typically eccentrically, on respective limbs 154 A, 154 B on respective axles 160 A, 160 B (“ 160 ”) in a reverse draw configuration 174 .
• Draw string 162 is received in respective draw string journals (see e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and secured at each end to the string guides 158 at locations 164 A, 164 B.
• the draw string 162 is located adjacent the down-range side 178 of the bow 150 .
• the draw string 162 unwinds from the draw string journals toward the up-range side 180 of the bow 150 , thereby rotating the string guides 158 in direction 166 .
• First power cable 168 A is secured to the first string guide 158 A at first attachment point 170 A and engages with a power cable take-up with a helical journal 172 A (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) as the bow 150 is drawn. As the string guide 158 A rotates in the direction 166 , the power cable 168 A is taken up by the cam 172 A. The other end of the first power cable 168 A is secured to the axle 160 B.
• Second power cable 168 B is secured to the second string guide 158 B at first attachment point 170 B and engages with a power cable take-up with a helical journal 172 B (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ) as the bow 150 is drawn. As the string guide 158 B rotates, the power cable 168 B is taken up by the cam 172 B. The other end of the second power cable 168 B is secured to the axle 160 A. Alternatively, the other ends of the first and second power cables 168 can be attached to the riser 156 or an extension thereof; such as the pylons 32 illustrated in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,217 (Islas) and U.S. Pat. No.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a crossbow 300 with a reverse draw configuration 302 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the crossbow 300 includes a center portion 304 with down-range side 306 and up-range side 308 .
• the center portion 304 includes riser 310 .
• First and second flexible limbs 312 A, 312 B (“ 312 ”) are attached to the riser 310 and extend from opposite sides of the center portion 304 .
• Draw string 314 extends between first and second string guides 316 A, 316 B (“ 316 ”).
• the string guide 316 A is substantially as shown in FIGS. 4-8
• the string guide 316 B is a conventional pulley.
• the first string guide 316 A is mounted to the first bow limb 312 A and is rotatable around a first axis 318 A.
• the first string guide 316 A includes a first draw string journal 320 A and a first power cable take-up journal 322 A, both of which are oriented generally perpendicular to the first axis 318 A. (See e.g., FIG. 8 ).
• the first power cable take-up journal 322 A includes a width measured along the first axis 318 A that is at least twice a width of power cable 324 .
• the second string guide 316 B is mounted to the second bow limb 312 A and rotatable around a second axis 318 B.
• the second string guide 316 B includes a second draw string journal 320 B oriented generally perpendicular to the second axis 318 B.
• the draw string 314 is received in the first and second draw string journals 320 A, 320 B and is secured to the first string guide 316 A at first attachment point 324 .
• the draw string extends adjacent to the down-range side 306 to the second string guide 316 B, wraps around the second string guide 316 B, and is attached at the first axis 318 A.
• Power cable 324 is attached to the string guide 316 A at attachment point 326 . See FIG. 4 . Opposite end of the power cable 324 is attached to the axis 318 B. In the illustrated embodiment, power cable wraps 324 onto the first power cable take-up journal 322 A and translates along the first power cable take-up journal 322 A away from the first draw string journal 320 A as the bow 300 is drawn from the released configuration 328 to the drawn configuration (see FIGS. 5-8 ).
• FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a dual-cam crossbow 350 with a reverse draw configuration 352 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the crossbow 350 includes a center portion 354 with down-range side 356 and up-range side 358 .
• First and second flexible limbs 362 A, 362 B (“ 362 ”) are attached to riser 360 and extend from opposite sides of the center portion 354 .
• Draw string 364 extends between first and second string guides 366 A, 366 B (“ 366 ”). In the illustrated embodiment, the string guides 366 are substantially as shown in FIGS. 4-8 .
• the string guides 366 are mounted to the bow limb 362 and are rotatable around first and second axis 368 A, 368 B (“ 368 ”), respectively.
• the string guides 366 include first and second draw string journals 370 A, 370 B (“ 370 ”) and first and second power cable take-up journals 372 A, 372 B (“ 372 ”), both of which are oriented generally perpendicular to the axes 368 , respectively. (See e.g., FIG. 8 ).
• the power cable take-up journals 372 include widths measured along the axes 368 that is at least twice a width of power cables 374 A, 374 B (“ 374 ”).
• the draw string 364 is received in the draw string journals 370 and is secured to the string guides 316 at first and second attachment points 375 A, 375 B (“ 325 ”).
• Power cables 374 are attached to the string guides 316 at attachment points 376 A, 376 B (“ 376 ”). See FIG. 4 . Opposite ends 380 A, 380 B (“ 380 ”) of the power cables 374 are attached to anchors 378 A, 378 B (“ 378 ”) on the center portion 354 . The power cables 374 preferably do not cross over the center support 354 .
• power cables wrap 374 onto the power cable take-up journal 372 and translates along the power cable take-up journals 372 away from the draw string journals 370 as the bow 350 is drawn from the released configuration 378 to the drawn configuration (see FIGS. 5-8 ).
• the string guides disclosed herein can be used with a variety of bows and crossbows, including those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,255,753, entitled Energy Storage Device for a Bow, filed Mar. 13, 2013 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,383,159, entitled De-Cocking Mechanism for a Bow, filed Nov. 5, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an alternate crossbow 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the crossbow 400 includes a center rail 402 with a riser 404 mounted at the distal end 406 and a stock 408 located at the proximal end 410 .
• the arrow 416 is suspended above the rail 402 before firing.
• the central rail 402 and the riser 404 may be a unitary structure, such as, for example, a molded carbon fiber component.
• the stock 408 includes a scope mount 412 with a tactical, picatinny, or weaver mounting rail.
• Scope 414 preferably includes a reticle with gradations corresponding to the ballistic drop of bolts 416 of particular weight.
• the riser 404 includes a pair of limbs 420 A, 420 B (“ 420 ”) extending rearward toward the proximal end 410 .
• the limbs 420 have a generally concave shape directed toward the center rail 402 .
• the terms “bolt” and “arrow” are both used for the projectiles launch by crossbows and are used interchangeable herein.
• Various arrows and nocks are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/673,784 entitled Arrow Assembly for a Crossbow and Methods of Using Same, filed Aug. 10, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• Draw string 501 is retracted to the drawn configuration 405 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B using string carrier 480 .
• the string carrier 480 slides along the center rail 402 toward the riser 404 to engage the draw string 501 while it is in a released configuration (see e.g., FIG. 21A ). That is, the string carrier 480 is captured by the center rail 402 and moves in a single degree of freedom along a Y-axis. The engagement of the string carrier 480 with the rail 402 (see e.g., FIG.
• the string carrier 480 substantially prevents the string carrier 480 from moving in the other five degrees of freedom (X-axis, Z-axis, pitch, roll, or yaw) relative to the center rail 402 and the riser 404 .
• “captured” refers to a string carrier that cannot be removed from the center rail without disassembling the crossbow or the string carrier.
• tension forces 409 A. 409 B on the draw string 501 on opposite sides of the string carrier 480 are substantially the same, resulting in increased accuracy.
• tension force 409 A is the same as tension force 409 B within less than about 1.0%, and more preferably less than about 0.5%, and most preferably less than about 0.1%. Consequently, cocking and firing the crossbow 400 is highly repeatable. To the extent that manufacturing variability creates inaccuracy in the crossbow 400 , any such inaccuracy are likewise highly repeatable, which can be compensated for with appropriate windage and elevation adjustments in the scope 414 (See FIG. 13B ).
• the repeatability provided by the present string carrier 480 results in a highly accurate crossbow 400 at distances beyond the capabilities of prior art crossbows.
• a cocking mechanism 484 retracts the string carrier 480 to the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 13B .
• the crossbow 400 includes a positive stop (e.g., the stock 408 ) for the string carrier 480 that prevents the draw string 501 from being retracted beyond the drawn configuration 405 .
• the distance 407 between the cam axles may be in the range of about between about 6 inches to about 8 inches, and more preferably about 4 inches to about 8 inches. In one embodiment, the distance 407 between the axles in the drawn configuration 405 is less than about 6 inches, and alternatively, less than about 4 inches.
• the included angle 403 is the angle defined by the draw string 501 on either side of the string carrier 480 when in the drawing configuration 405 .
• the included angle 403 is preferably less than about 25 degrees, and more preferably less than about 20 degrees.
• the included angle 403 is typically between about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees.
• the present string carrier 480 includes a catch 502 (see e.g., FIG. 17A ) that engages a narrow segment of the draw string 501 that permits the present small included angle 403 .
• the small included angle 403 that results from the narrow separation 407 does not provide sufficient space to accommodate conventional cocking mechanisms, such as cocking ropes and cocking sleds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,115 (Bednar et al.); and 2015/0013654 (Bednar et al.), which are hereby incorporated by reference.
• conventional cocking mechanisms such as cocking ropes and cocking sleds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar); U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,115 (Bed
• cocking systems disclosed herein are applicable to any type of crossbow, including recurved crossbows that do not include cams (such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,041 (Ogawa) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,370 (Choma), which are hereby incorporated by reference) or conventional compound crossbows with power cables that crossover.
• FIGS. 14A and 14B are top and bottom views of the riser 404 .
• Limbs 420 are attached to the riser 404 near the distal end 406 by mounting brackets 422 A, 422 B (“ 422 ”).
• distal ends 424 A, 424 B (“ 424 ”) of the limbs 420 extend past the mounting brackets 422 to create pocket 426 that contains arrowhead 428 .
• Bumpers 430 are preferably attached to the distal ends 424 of the limbs 420 .
• the tip of the arrowhead 428 is preferably completely contained within the pocket 426 .
• the pivots 432 provide a flexure point for the limbs 420 when the crossbow 400 is in the drawn configuration.
• Cams 440 A, 440 B (“ 440 ”) are attached to the limbs 420 by axle mounts 442 A, 442 B (“ 442 ”).
• the cams 440 preferably have a maximum diameter 441 less than the power stroke (see e.g., FIG. 5 ) divided by about 3.5 for a reverse draw configuration. For example, if the power stroke is about 13 inches, the maximum diameter 441 of the cams 440 is preferably less than about 3.7 inches.
• the cams 440 preferably have a maximum diameter 441 less than the power stroke (see e.g., FIG. 5 ) divided by about 5.0 for a non-reverse draw configuration.
• the maximum diameter 441 of the cams 440 is preferably less than about 2.6 inches.
• the cams 440 preferably have a maximum diameter of less than about 4.0 inches, and more preferably less than about 3.5 inches.
• a highly compact crossbow with an included angle of less than about 25 degrees preferably has cams with a maximum diameter of less than about 3.0 inches.
• the axle mounts 442 are attached to the limbs 420 offset a distance 446 from the proximal ends 444 A, 444 B (“ 444 ”) of the limbs 420 . Due to their concave shape, greatest width 448 of the limbs 420 (in both the drawn configuration and the release configuration) preferably occurs at a location between the axle mounts 442 and the pivots 432 , not at the proximal ends 444 .
• the offset 446 of the axle mounts 442 maximizes the speed of the limbs 420 , minimizes limb vibration, and maximizes energy transfer to the bolts 416 .
• the offset 446 is similar to hitting a baseball with a baseball bat at a location offset from the tip of the bat, commonly referred to as the “sweet spot”.
• the size of the offset 446 is determined empirically for each type of limb. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset 446 is about 1.5 to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 2 to about 3 inches.
• Tunable arrow rest 490 is positioned just behind the pocket 426 .
• a pair of supports 492 are secured near opposite sides of the bolt 416 by fasteners 494 .
• the supports 492 preferably slide in the plane of the limbs 420 .
• the separation 496 between the supports 492 can be adjusted to raise or lower front end of the bolt 416 relative to the draw string 501 .
• the separation 496 between the supports 492 can be adjusted to raise or lower front end of the bolt 416 relative to the draw string 501 .
• the separation 496 between the supports 492 the curved profile of the front end of the bolt 416 is lowered relative to the string carrier 480 (see FIG. 17A ).
• the curved profile of the bolt 416 is raised.
• warning labels 890 , 892 are applied at various locations on the crossbow 400 .
• the warning labels 890 , 892 can be a variety of configurations, including pre-printed press sensitive labels on various substrates, laser printing, and the like.
• Another approach is to impregnate an anodized aluminum surface with a silver compound which, when exposed to a light source, creates an activated latent image. Development fixes the label inside the metal. Photosensitive anodized aluminum is then sealed in boiling water similarly to common anodized aluminum. For anodized and powder coated finishes on metals, such as aluminum, it is possible to directly print inks on the open-pore anodized aluminum surface to create digital, full-color warning labels that are subsequently sealed for high durability.
• warning label is part of the aluminum oxide layer, and as such, cannot be easily removed or peeled-off.
• Creating warning labels directly in the native oxide layer on anodized aluminum is available from Deming Industries, Inc. of Coeur d' Alene, ID.
• FIG. 14B illustrates the bottom of the riser 404 .
• Rail 450 on the riser 404 is used as the attachment point for accessories, such as quiver 452 for holding bolts 416 and cocking handle 454 that engages with pins 570 to rotate the drive shaft 564 (see FIG. 18A ).
• FIG. 14D illustrates the cocking handle 454 in greater detail.
• Distal end 700 is configured to engage with drive shaft 564 and pins 570 illustrated in FIG. 18A .
• Center recess 702 receives the drive shaft 564 and the undercuts 704 engage with the pins 570 when the system is under tension. Consequently, when cocking or uncocking the crossbow 400 the tension in the system locks the pins 570 into the undercuts 704 .
• the cocking handle 454 can be rotated a few degrees and disengaged from the drive shaft 564 .
• the distal end 700 includes stem 706 that extends into hollow handle 708 .
• Pins 710 permit the stem 706 to rotate a few degrees around pin 712 in either direction within the hollow handle 708 .
• torque assembly 714 is located in hollow handle 708 that resists rotation of the stem 706 until a pre-set torque is reached. Once that torque threshold is exceeded, the stem 706 breaks free of block 716 and rotates within the hollow handle 708 , generating an audible noise and snapping sensation that signal to the user that the crossbow 400 is fully cocked.
• FIGS. 14F and 14G illustrate a mounting system 730 for the quiver 452 and the cocking handle 454 .
• Quiver spine 732 includes a pair of mounting posts 734 spaced to engage with openings 736 in the mounting bracket 738 .
• Magazine catch 740 slides within mounting bracket 738 .
• Spring 742 biases the magazine catch 740 in direction 744 .
• Openings 746 in the magazine catch 740 engage with undercuts 748 on the mounting posts 734 under pressure from the spring 742 .
• the user presses the handle 750 in direction 752 until the openings 746 in the magazine catch 740 are aligned with the openings 736 in the mounting bracket 738 . Once aligned, the mounting posts 734 can be removed from the mounting bracket 738 .
• FIG. 15 is a front view of the crossbow 400 with the draw string or the power cables removed to better illustrate the cams 440 having upper and lower helical journals 460 A, 460 B above and below draw string journal 464 .
• FIG. 21A separate power cables 610 A, 610 B are operatively engaged with each of the helical journals 460 A, 460 B, and minimizing torque on the cams 440 .
• the draw string journal 464 defines plane 466 that passes through the bolt 416 .
• the helical journals 460 A, 460 B move the power cables 610 A, 610 B in directions 468 A, 468 B, respectively, away from the plane 466 as the bow 400 is drawn.
• FIGS. 16A and 16B are upper and lower perspective views of the cams 440 with the power cables and draw string removed.
• Recess 470 contains draw string mount 472 located generally in the plane 466 of the draw string journal 464 .
• Power cable attachment 462 A and pivot post 463 A correspond to helical journal 460 A.
• power cable attachment 462 B and pivot post 463 B corresponds to the helical journal 460 B.
• the pivot pots 463 serve to take-up a portion of the power cables 610 and redirect the power cables 610 onto the helical journals 460 .
• FIGS. 17A through 17D illustrate string carrier 480 for the crossbow 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the string carrier 480 slides along axis 482 of the center rail 402 to the location 483 (see FIG. 21A ) to capture the draw string 501 .
• the cocking mechanism 484 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B ) is used to return the string carrier 480 back to the position illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B at the proximal end 410 of the crossbow 400 and into engagement with trigger 558 .
• the draw string 501 travels above the center rail 402 as it moves between the release configuration 600 and the drawn configuration 405 .
• the draw string 501 preferably moves parallel to the top surface of the center rail 402 .
• the string carrier 480 includes fingers 500 on catch 502 that engage the draw string 501 .
• the catch 502 is illustrated in a closed position 504 .
• the catch 502 is retained in open position 505 (see FIG. 18B ), such as for example, by spring 510 .
• the catch biasing force is applied to the catch 502 by spring 510 to rotate in direction 506 around pin 508 and retains the catch 502 in the open position 505 . Absent an external force, the catch 502 automatically move to open position 505 (see FIG. 18B ) and releases the draw string 501 .
• closed position refers to any configuration that retains a draw string
• “open position” refers to any configuration that releases the draw string.
• recess 512 on sear 514 engages low friction device 513 at rear edge of the catch 502 at interface 533 to retain the catch 502 in the closed position 504 .
• the sear 514 is biased in direction 516 by a sear biasing force applied by spring 511 to engage with and retain the catch 502 in the closed position 504 .
• FIG. 17D illustrates the string carrier 480 with the sear 514 removed for clarity.
• the low friction device 513 is a roller pin 523 mounted in rear portion of the catch 520 .
• the roller pin 523 has a diameter corresponding generally to the diameter of the recess 512 .
• the roller pin 523 is preferably supported by ball bearings 525 to reduce friction between the catch 502 and the recess 512 when firing the crossbow 400 .
• a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface 533 to release the catch 502 is preferably less than about 1 pound, substantially reducing the trigger pull weight.
• the positions of the roller pin 523 and the ball bearings 525 can be reversed so that the sear 514 engages directly on the ball bearings 525 .
• the roller pin 523 or a low friction bearing structure can be location on the sear 514 .
• a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface 533 to release the catch 502 is preferably less than the biasing force applied to the sear 514 by the spring 511 . This feature causes the sear 514 to return fully to the cocked position 524 in the event the trigger 558 is partially depressed, but then released before the catch 502 releases the draw string 501 .
• a force necessary to overcome the friction at the interface 533 to release the catch 502 is preferably less than about 3.2%, and more preferably less than about 1.6% of the draw force to retain the draw string 501 to the drawn configuration.
• the draw force can optionally be measured as the force on the flexible tension member 585 when the string carrier 480 is in the drawn position (See FIG. 18A ).
• Safety button 530 is used to move the safety 522 in direction 532 from the safe position 509 illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B to free position 553 (see FIG. 18B ) with the shoulder 520 disengaged from the sear 514 .
• a dry fire lockout biasing force is applied by spring 540 to bias dry fire lockout 542 toward the catch 502 .
• Distal end 544 of the dry fire lockout 542 engages the sear 514 in a lockout position 541 to prevent the sear 514 from releasing the catch 502 .
• the dry fire lockout 542 indirectly prevents the catch 502 from moving to the open position, but could directly engage with the catch 502 to prevent release of the draw string 501 . Even if the safety 522 is disengaged from the sear 514 , the distal end 544 of the dry fire lockout 542 retains the sear 514 in the cocked position 524 to prevent the catch 502 from releasing the draw string 501 .
• FIG. 17C illustrates the string carrier 480 with the catch 502 removed for clarity.
• Nock 417 of the bolt 416 is engaged with the dry fire lockout 542 and rotated it in the direction 546 .
• Distal end 544 of the dry fire lockout 542 is now in disengaged position 547 relative to the sear 514 .
• the crossbow 400 can be fired.
• the nock 417 is a clip-on version that flexes to form a snap-fit engagement with the draw string 501 . Only when a bolt 416 is fully engaged with the draw string 501 will the dry fire lockout 542 be in the disengaged position 547 that permits the sear 514 to release the catch 502 .
• FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate the relationship between the string carrier 480 , the cocking mechanism 484 , and the trigger assembly 550 that form string control assembly 551 .
• the trigger assembly 550 is mounted in the stock 408 , separate from the string carrier 480 . Only when the string carrier 480 is fully retracted into the stock 408 is the trigger pawl 552 positioned adjacent to the sear 514 .
• the safety button 530 is moved in direction 532 to a free position 553 where the extension 515 is disengaged from the shoulder 520 .
• trigger linkage 559 rotates sear 514 in direction 517 to a de-cocked position 557 and the catch 502 moves to the open position 505 to release the draw string 501 .
• the sear 514 is in a de-cocked position 557 and the safety 522 is in the free position 553 .
• the catch 502 retains the sear 514 in the de-cocked position 557 even though the spring 511 biases it toward the cocked position 524 .
• the sear 514 retains the dry fire lockout 542 in the disengaged position 547 even though the spring 540 biases it toward the lockout position 541 .
• the extension 515 on the sear 514 is located in recess 521 on the safety 522 .
• the spring 540 biases dry fire lockout 542 to the lockout position 541 so the distal end 544 engages the sear 514 to prevent the catch 502 from releasing the draw string 501 (See FIG. 18A ) until an arrow is inserted into the string carrier 480 .
• the draw string 501 pushes the catch 502 from the open position 505 to the closed position 504 to automatically (i) couple the sear 514 with the catch 502 at the interface 533 to retain the catch 502 in the closed position 504 , (ii) move the safety 522 to the safe position 509 coupled with the sear 514 to retain the sear 514 in the cocked position 524 , and (iii) move the dry fire lockout 542 to the lockout position 541 to block the sear 514 from moving to the de-cocked position 557 .
• the cocking mechanism 484 includes a rotating member, such as the spool 560 , with a flexible tension member, such as for example, a belt, a tape or webbing material 585 , attached to pin 587 on the string carrier 480 .
• the cocking mechanism 484 includes drive shaft 564 with a pair of drive gears 566 meshed with gear teeth 568 on opposite sides of the spool 560 . Consequently, the spool 560 is subject to equalize torque applied to the spool 560 during the cocking operation.
• Cocking handle 454 that releasably attaches to either of exposed ends of pin 570 of the drive shaft 564 .
• a pair of pawls 572 A, 572 B (“ 572 ”) include teeth 574 (see FIG. 20 ) that are biased into engage with the gear teeth 568 .
• the pawls 572 are preferably offset 1 ⁇ 2 the gear tooth 568 spacing so that when the teeth 574 of one pawl 572 are disengaged from the gear teeth 568 , the teeth 574 on the other pawl 572 are positioned to engage the gear teeth 568 . Consequently, during winding of the spool 560 , the teeth 574 on one of the pawls 572 are always positioned to engage with the gear teeth 568 on the spool. If the user inadvertently released the cocking handle 454 when the crossbow 400 is under tension, one of the pawls 572 is always in position to arrest rotation of the spool 560 .
• the user presses the release 576 to disengage the pawls 572 from the spool 560 and proceeds to rotate the cocking handle 454 to move the string carrier 480 in either direction 482 along the rail 402 to cock or de-cocking the crossbow 400 .
• the crossbow 400 can be cocked without depressing the release 576 , but the pawls 572 will make a clicking sound as they advance over the gear teeth 568 .
• FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate the crossbow 400 in the released configuration 600 .
• Draw string 501 is located adjacent down-range side 602 of the cams 440 in a reverse draw configuration 604 .
• the draw string 501 is adjacent stops 606 attached to power cable bracket 608 .
• Upper power cables 610 A are attached to the power cable bracket 608 at upper attachment points 612 A and to power cable attachments 462 A on the cams 440 (see also FIG. 22A ).
• Lower power cables 610 B are attached to the power cable bracket 608 at lower attachment points 612 B and to the power cable attachments 462 B on the cams 440 (see also FIG. 22B ).
• the attachment points 612 are static relative to the riser 404 , rather than dynamic attachment points on the opposite limbs or opposite cams.
• “static attachment point” refers to a cabling system in which power cables are attached to a fixed point relative to the riser, and not attached to the opposite limb or opposite cam.
• the attachment points 612 A, 612 B for the respective power cables 610 are located on opposite sides of the center rail 402 . Consequently, the power cables 610 do not cross over the center rail 402 .
• “without crossover” refers to a cabling system in which power cables do not pass through a vertical plane bisecting the center rail 402 .
• the upper and lower attachment points 612 A, 612 B on the power cable bracket 608 maintains gap 614 between the upper and lower power cables 610 A, 610 B greater than the gap at the axes of the cams 440 . Consequently, the power cables 610 A, 610 B angle toward each other near the cams 440 .
• FIGS. 22A and 22B are upper and lower perspective views of the cams 440 with the cables 510 , 610 A, and 610 B in the released configuration 600 .
• the cams 440 are preferably symmetrical so only one of the cams 440 is illustrated.
• Upper power cables 610 A are attached to power cable attachments 462 A. wrap around the upper pivots 463 A and then return toward the bow 400 to attach to the power cable bracket 608 (see FIG. 21A ).
• the draw cable 501 is attached to the draw string mount 472 and then wraps almost completely around the cam 440 in the draw string journal 464 to the down range side 602 .
• FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate the crossbow 400 in the drawn configuration 620 .
• Draw string 501 extends from the down-range side 602 of the cams 440 in a reverse draw configuration 604 .
• the power cables 610 A, 610 B move away from the cams 440 as they wrap onto the upper and lower helical journals 460 A, 460 B.
• the power cables 610 A, 610 B are generally parallel (compare the angled relationship in the released configuration 600 illustrated in FIG. 21B ).
• the resulting gap 622 permits the power cable attachments 462 and pivot 463 to pass under the power cables 610 without contacting them (see also, FIGS.
• gaps 623 between surfaces 625 of the cams 440 and the power cables 610 is greater than height 627 of the power cable attachments 462 and the pivots 463 .
• FIGS. 24A and 24B are upper and lower perspective views of the cams 440 with the cables 510 , 610 A, and 610 B in the drawn configuration 620 .
• the upper power cables 610 A wraps around the upper pivots 463 A and then onto the upper helical journal 460 A, before returning to the power cable bracket 608 (see FIG. 23A ).
• the lower power cables 610 B wraps around the lower pivots 463 B and then onto the lower journal 460 B, before returning to the power cable bracket 608 (see FIG. 23A ).
• the draw cable 501 is attached to the draw string mount 472 unwraps almost completely from the draw string journal 464 of the cam 440 to the down range side 602 .
• the draw string journal 464 rotates between about 270 degrees and about 330 degrees, and more preferably from about 300 degrees to about 360 degrees, when the crossbow 400 is drawn from the released configuration 600 to the drawn configuration 620 . In another embodiment, the draw string journal 464 rotates more than 360 degrees (see FIG. 9A ).
• FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an alternate string carrier 480 A for the crossbow 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the string carrier 480 A is similar to the assembly illustrated in FIGS. 17A-17C , so the same reference numbers are used where applicable.
• FIG. 25A illustrates the catch 502 is illustrated in a closed position 504 .
• the catch 502 is biased by spring 510 to rotate in direction 506 and retained in open position 505 (see FIG. 18B ). Absent an external force, the catch 502 automatically releases the draw string 501 (See FIG. 17A ).
• recess 512 on sear 514 engages with low friction device 513 on the catch 502 to retain the catch 502 in the closed position 504 .
• the sear 514 is biased by spring 519 to retain the catch 502 in the closed position 504 .
• the safety 522 operates as discussed in connection with FIGS. 17A-17C .
• Spring 540 A biases dry fire lockout 542 A toward the catch 502 .
• Distal end 544 A of the dry fire lockout 542 A engages the sear 514 in a lockout position 541 to prevent the sear 514 from releasing the catch 502 .
• the distal end 544 A of the dry fire lockout 542 A locks the sear 514 in the closed position 504 to prevent the catch 502 from releasing the draw string 501 .
• the rear portions or arms on the clip-on nock 417 extends past the draw string 501 (so a portion of the nock 417 is behind the draw sting 501 ) and engages with the portion 543 A on the dry fire lockout 542 A, causing the dry fire lockout 542 A to rotate in direction 546 A so that the distal end 544 A is disengaged from the sear 514 .
• the portion 543 A is a protrusion or finger on the dry fire lockout 542 A. Only when a bolt 416 is fully engaged with the draw string 501 will the dry fire lockout 542 A permit the sear 514 to release the catch 502 .
• the portion 543 A on the dry fire lockout 542 A is positioned behind the draw string location 501 A.
• the phrase “behind the draw string” refers to a region between a draw string and a proximal end of a crossbow. Conventional flat or half-moon nocks do not extend far enough rearward to reach the portion 543 A of the dry fire lockout 542 A, reducing the chance that non-approved arrows can be launched by the crossbow 400 .
• FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate elongated arrow capture recess 650 that retains rear portion 419 of the arrow 416 and the clip-on nock 417 engaged with the string carrier 480 A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the elongated arrow capture recess 650 extends along a direction of travel of an arrow launched from the crossbow 400 .
• the arrow capture recess 650 is offset above the rail 402 as is the rest 490 (see FIG. 14C ) so the arrow 416 is suspended above the rail 402 (see FIG. 13B ).
• Upper roller 652 is located near the entrance of the arrow capture recess 650 .
• the upper roller 652 is configured to rotate in the direction of travel of the arrow 416 as it is launched. That is, the axis of rotation of the upper roller 652 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the arrow 416 .
• the upper roller 652 is displaced within the slot in a direction generally perpendicular to the arrow 416 , while spring 654 biases the upper roller 652 in direction 656 against the arrow 416 .
• the arrow capture recess 650 extends rearward past the fingers 500 on catch 502 .
• the string carrier 480 A includes lower angled surfaces 658 A, 658 B (“ 658 ”) and upper angled surfaces 660 A, 660 B (“ 660 ”) configured to engage the arrow 416 around the perimeter of the rear portion.
• the clip-on nock 417 must be fully engaged with the draw string 510 A near the rear of the arrow capture recess 650 to disengage the dry fire lock out 542 A.
• the rear portion 419 of the arrow 416 is fully engaged with the arrow capture recess 650 , surrounded by the rigid structure of the string carrier 480 A.
• the lower angled surfaces 658 do not support the arrow 416 in the arrow capture recess 650 unless the clip-on nock 417 is used.
• the upper angled surfaces 660 prevent the nock 417 from rising upward when the crossbow 400 is fired, but the arrow 417 tends to slide downward off the lower angled surfaces 658 unless the clip-on nock 417 is fully engaged with the draw string 510 A.
• prior art crossbows typically include a leaf spring or other biasing structure to retain the arrow against the rail. These devices tend to break and are subject to tampering, which can compromise accuracy.
• FIGS. 25D-25F illustrate additional details about the nock 417 for use with the present crossbow 400 .
• Prongs 850 flex outward 852 until the draw string 510 is seated in semi-circular opening 854 .
• the nock 417 is preferably molded from a reinforced polymeric material (or blend of polymeric materials). Suitable materials and other aspects of the nock 417 are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/631,016, entitled HIGH IMPACT STRENGTH LIGHTED NOCK ASSEMBLY, filed, Jun. 23, 2017 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/631,004, entitled HIGH IMPACT STRENGTH NOCK ASSEMBLY, filed Jun. 23, 2017, the entire disclosure of which are both hereby incorporated by reference.
• the portion 543 A on the dry fire lockout 542 A engages with the nock 417 in region 856 behind the draw string 510 , causing the dry fire lockout 542 A to rotate in direction 546 A so that the distal end 544 A is disengaged from the sear 514 .
• the region 856 is preferably at least about 0.1 inches long.
• Flat regions 858 illustrated in FIG. 25F are preferably separate by a distance 860 of about 0.250 inches, which corresponds to gap between fingers 500 on a bowstring catch 502 for the crossbow (See FIG. 25C ).
• the flat regions 858 are securely captured between the fingers 500 to retain the nock 417 in the correct orientation relative to the draw string 510 , resulting in precise and repeatable registration of the nock 417 to the catch 502 .
• an axis of the opening 854 is retained parallel with the draw string 510 in the drawn configuration.
• FIG. 25G illustrates the arrow 416 for use in an arrow assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the arrow 416 includes threaded front insert 862 that receives an arrow head 864 with a threaded stem 866 having compatible threads.
• Shaft 868 includes fletching 870 and rear opening 872 configured to receive the nock 417 and a variety of other lighted and non-lighted nock assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 25H illustrates nock assembly 880 and bushing 884 , which can be used with or without light assembly 882 , in the arrow 416 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the bushing 884 is preferably constructed from a light weight metal and is sized to be receive rear opening 872 of the arrow shaft 868 .
• the bushing 884 includes shoulder 886 that engages with rear end of the arrow shaft 868 .
• the present application is also directed to a plurality of matched weight arrows 416 configured to have substantially the same weight, whether used with our without a lighted assembly 882 or different weight tip 864 , so their flight characteristics are the substantially the same.
• matched weight arrows refers to a plurality of arrows with the same functional characteristics, such as for example, length, stiffness, weight, and diameter, that exhibit substantially similar flight characteristics when launch from the same bow.
• the present matched weight arrows 416 have a weight difference of less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, and most preferably less than about 2%. In operation, matched weight arrows can be used interchangeable without adjusting the sight or scope on the bow.
• the bushing 884 and the nock 417 are inserted into the rear opening 872 , without the lighted assembly 882 .
• the lighted assembly 882 and bushing 884 are inserted into the rear opening 872 . Since the lighted assembly 882 and bushing 884 are heavier than just the nock 417 and bushing 884 , the weight of the lighted arrow is adjusted by removing weight from the shaft 868 , the threaded front insert 862 , or the fletching 870 , so the lighted arrow weighs substantially the same as a non-lighted arrow.
• weight is removed from the front insert 862 of the lighted arrow to offset the weight added by the light assembly 882 .
• two different rear bushings 884 of different weight are used to offset some or all of the weight difference.
• weight is added to the non-lighted arrows 416 , such for example, in the threaded front insert 862 or the rear bushing 884 , equal to the amount of weight added by the lighted assembly 882 . Consequently, the user can carry both lighted arrows and non-lighted arrows having substantially the same weight and flight characteristics. These matched weight arrows 416 can be used interchangeable without effecting accuracy.
• FIG. 26A illustrates an alternate the cocking handle 720 with an integral clutch to prevent excessive torque on the cocking mechanism 484 and tension on the flexible tension member 585 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• distal end 700 is configured to engage with drive shaft 564 and pins 570 .
• Center recess 702 receives the drive shaft 564 and the undercuts 704 engage with the pins 570 when the system is under tension. Consequently, when cocking or uncocking the crossbow 400 the tension in the system locks the pins 570 into the undercuts 704 .
• the cocking handle 454 can be rotated a few degrees and disengaged from the drive shaft 564 .
• FIG. 26B is an exploded view of the cocking handle 720 of FIG. 26A .
• Distal end 700 contains a torque control mechanism 722 .
• Coupling 724 that engages with the drive shaft 564 is contained between a pair of opposing friction washers 726 and a pair of opposing notched washers 728 within head 729 .
• Pins 730 couple the notched washers 728 .
• One or more spring washers 732 such as for example Belleville washers, conical spring washers, and the like, maintain a compressive load on the coupling 724 to control the torque applied to the drive shaft 564 .
• the magnitude of the compressive load applied to the coupling establishes a pre-set maximum torque that can be applied to the drive shaft 564 .
• the maximum torque or break-away torque at which the coupling 724 slips relative to the cocking handle 720 preferably corresponds to about 110% to about 150% of the force on the flexible tension member 585 during cocking of the crossbow 400
• the drive shaft 564 is three discrete pieces 565 A, 565 B, 565 C connected by torque control mechanisms located in housings 567 A, 567 B.
• a torque control mechanism 722 generally as illustrated in FIG. 26B may be used.
• the string carrier 480 hits a mechanical stop when it is fully retracted, which corresponds to maximum draw string 501 tension. Tension on the draw string 501 is highly repeatable and uniform throughout the string system due to the operation of the string carrier 480 . Further pressure on the cocking handle 720 causes the coupling 724 to slip within the head 729 , preventing excessive torque on the cocking mechanism 484 and tension on the flexible tension member 585 .
• FIGS. 27A-27C illustrates an alternate tunable arrow rest 750 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• the tunable arrow rest 750 includes housing 760 that is positioned just behind the pocket 426 .
• a pair of spring loaded support rollers 752 are rotatably secured in slots 754 by pins 756 .
• the support rollers 752 rotate freely around the pins 756 . When compressed, the support rollers 752 can be independently displaced in directions 758 .
• Springs 764 bias the pins 756 and the support rollers 752 to the tops of the slots.
• arrow rest 750 is mounted to distal end 776 of the center rail 402 by fasteners 762 .
• Each of the support rollers 752 is biased to the tops of the slots 754 by the springs 764 .
• Rotating member 766 is provided at the interface between the support rollers 752 and the springs 764 to reduce friction and permit the support rollers 752 to turn freely.
• the housing 760 includes enlarged openings 768 with diameters larger than the diameters of the fasteners 762 . Consequently, the position of the arrow rest 750 can be adjusted (i.e., tuned) in at three degrees of freedom—the Y-direction 770 , the Z-direction 772 , and roll 774 relative to the center rail 402 .
• FIG. 27D illustrates an arrow 412 with arrowhead 428 positioned on the support rollers 752 and the various degrees of freedom 770 , 772 , 774 available for tuning the arrow rest 750 .
• FIGS. 28A-28E illustrate alternate cocking systems 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in which the cocking mechanism 484 located in the stock 408 and the flexible tension member 585 are not required.
• the string carrier 480 when not engaged with the draw string 501 slides freely back and forth along the rail between the released configuration and the drawn configuration.
• At least one cocking rope engagement mechanism 802 is attached to the string carrier 480 .
• a pair of pulleys 804 are pivotally attached to opposite sides of the string carrier 480 brackets 806 and pivot pins 808 .
• a variety of conventional cocking ropes 810 can releasably engage with the pulleys 804 .
• the hooks found on conventional cocking ropes are not required.
• the cocking rope 810 can be a single discrete segment of rope or two discrete segments of rope. In the illustrated embodiment, two discrete cocking ropes 810 are each attached to opposite sides of the stock 408 at anchors 816 and wrap around the pulleys 804 to provide the user with mechanical advantage when cocking the bow 400 .
• the cocking ropes 810 retract into handles 812 for convenient storage.
• protrusions 826 on handles 812 can optionally contain a spring-loaded spool that automatically retracts the cocking ropes 810 when not in use, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,192 (Bednar et al.).
• a retraction mechanism for storing the cocking ropes when not in use are attached to the stock 408 at the location of the anchors 816 such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,491 (Bednar).
• a cocking rope retraction system with a spool and crank handle can be attached to the stock 408 , such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,884 (the '884 Kempf patent”).
• the user slides the string carrier 480 forward along the rail into engagement with the draw string 501 .
• the catch 502 (see e.g., FIG. 25A ) on the string carrier 480 engages the draw string 501 as discussed herein.
• the user pulls the handles 812 until the string carrier 480 is retained in the retracted position 814 by retaining mechanism 817 .
• the retaining mechanism 817 retains the string carrier 480 in the retracted position 814 independent of the cocking ropes 810 . That is, once the string carrier 480 is in the retracted position 814 the retaining mechanism 817 the cocking ropes 810 can be removed and stored.
• the retaining mechanism 817 is hook 818 attached to the stock configured to couple with pin 819 on the string carrier 480 .
• Release lever 820 moves the hook 818 in direction 822 to disengage it from the pin 819 on the string carrier 480 .
• the force 824 applied to the string carrier 480 by the draw string prevent the hook 818 from inadvertently disengaging from the pin 819 on the string carrier 480 .
• the string carrier 480 can be secured to either the draw string 501 in the release configuration 600 or to the hook 818 in the retracted configuration 814 without the draw string 501 attached.
• FIG. 28F illustrates an alternate embodiment where the cocking rope 810 is a single segment that wraps around the stock 408 rather than requiring anchors 816 .
• the opposite ends of the cocking rope 810 then wrap around the cocking rope engagement mechanisms on opposite sides of the string carrier 480 .
• the user pulls the handles 812 toward the proximal end of the crossbow 400 to manually retract the string carrier 480 to the retracted position and the draw string to the drawing configuration.
• the user pulls the handles 812 to retract the string carrier 480 toward the stock 408 a sufficient amount to disengage the hook 818 from the pin 819 .
• the user rotates the release lever 820 in direction 821 about 90 degrees.
• the release lever 820 biases the hook 818 in direction 822 , but the force 824 prevents the hook 818 from moving in direction 822 .
• the user then pulls the handles 812 toward the stock 408 to remove the force 824 from the hook 818 . Once the pin 819 clears the hook 818 the biasing force applied by the release lever 820 moves the hook 818 in direction 822 .
• the user can now slowly move the string carrier 480 toward the released configuration 600 .
• extensions 830 on the string carrier 480 are engaged with undercuts 832 in the rail 402 . Consequently, the string carrier 480 is captured by the rail 402 and can only move back and forth along the rail 402 (Y-axis), but cannot move in the Z-axis or X-axis direction, or in pitch 834 , roll 836 , or yaw 838 , relative to the draw string 501 .
• the extension 830 are located on the exterior surface of the rail 402 and the string carrier 480 wraps around the rail 402 to engage the undercuts 832 .
• the extensions 830 are retractable so the string carrier 480 can be removed from the rail 402 . With the extensions 830 in the extended position illustrated in FIG. 29 the string carrier 480 is captured by the rail 402 .
• tension forces on the draw string 501 on opposite sides of the string carrier 480 are substantially the same, within less than about 1.0%, and more preferably less than about 0.5%, and most preferably less than about 0.1%. Consequently, cocking and firing the crossbow 400 is highly repeatable.
• any such inaccuracy are likewise highly repeatable, which can be compensated for with appropriate windage and elevation adjustments in the scope 414 (See FIG. 13B ).
• the repeatability provided by the present cocking systems 484 , 800 results in a highly accurate crossbow 400 at distances beyond the capabilities of prior art crossbows.
• the cocking systems 484 , 800 in combination with windage and elevation adjustments permits groupings of three arrows in a three-inch diameter target at about 100 yards, and groupings of three arrows in a two-inch diameter target at about 50 yards.
• FIGS. 30A-30F illustrate an alternate cocking mechanism 900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Rotation of the rotating member 902 is effectuated by the pair of drive gears 566 on the drive shaft 564 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 that mesh with gear teeth 568 .
• the drive shaft 564 would be mounted in location 903 but is omitted for clarity.
• rotation of the rotating member 902 is controlled by an internal rotation arrester 910 controlled by release 960 .
• the crossbow 400 can be cocked without the pawls 572 making a clicking sound as they advance over the gear teeth 568 .
• rotating member 902 includes non-cylindrical core 904 with offset pin 906 .
• the flexible tension member 585 is captured between the core 904 and the pin 906 .
• the oppose end 908 of the flexible tension member 585 is attached to pin 587 on the string carrier 480 (see FIG. 18A ).
• the rotating member 902 includes center opening 912 with diameter 914 greater than diameter 916 of support shaft 918 .
• a plurality of interference members 920 are located in gap 922 between the center opening 912 and the support shaft 918 .
• the support shaft 918 is prevented from rotating relative to the support rail 402 by key 924 bolted to the support rail 402 and positioned in slot 925 on the support shaft 918 (see FIG. 30A ).
• the interference members 920 are elongated rods axially aligned with the support shaft 918 , but could be elongated members with a non-circular cross section, spherical, elliptical, or a variety of regular or irregular shapes.
• the outside surface 942 of the support shaft 918 includes a series of recesses 926 that receive the interference members 920 .
• the recesses 926 are elongated and axially aligned with the support shaft 918 .
• Each recess 926 includes a sloped surface 930 that terminates at stop surface 932 .
• the sloped surfaces 930 can be flat or curved to create a camming action as the interference members 920 move from between first and second locations 972 , 974 .
• the recesses 926 can be located on the inside surface 940 of the rotating member 902 or on both the inside surface 940 and the outside surface 942 of the support shaft 918 .
• the recesses 926 have a shape corresponding to a shape of the interference members 920 , such as spherical or elliptical.
• the rotating member 902 can rotate freely around the support shaft 918 .
• the interference members 920 ride up sloped surfaces 930 toward the first locations 972 near the tops 946 of the sloped surfaces 930 , however, the interference members 920 are compressed between the inside surface 940 of the center opening 912 and the outside surface 942 of the support shaft 918 to create compression forces 944 that prevents rotation of the rotating member 902 relative to the support shaft 918 .
• the compressive forces 944 acts generally along radial lines extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support shaft 918 through each of the interference members 920 .
• the recesses 926 are oriented so that when tension force 948 is placed on the flexible tension member 585 (see FIGS. 30A and 30B ) the interference members 920 tend to shift toward the first locations 972 at the tops 946 of the sloped surfaces 930 , hence, creating compression forces 944 that arrest rotation of the rotating member 902 . That is, rotation of the rotating member 902 to unwind the flexible tension member 585 tends to move the interference members 920 toward the first locations 972 .
• support bearings 950 support the rotating member 902 on the support shaft 918 and maintain concentricity relative to the support shaft 918 .
• sets of interference members 920 A, 920 B (“ 920 ”) are located on opposite sides of the support bearings 950 .
• Each set of interference members 920 A, 920 B is constrained to the support shaft 918 within respective recesses 926 by housings 952 A, 952 B (“ 952 ”), respectively.
• the housings 952 include openings 956 that expose the interference members 920 to permit engagement with inside surface 940 of the center opening 912 .
• the housings 952 include flat surfaces 954 that couple with the release 960 . As illustrated in FIG. 30E , the flat surfaces 954 couple with corresponding flat surfaces on the release 960 .
• the housings 952 can rotate relative to the support shaft 918 to shift the interference members 920 within the recesses 926 .
• the housings 952 are biased by springs 962 in direction 970 to bias the interference members 920 toward the first locations 972 near the tops 946 .
• the release 960 is depressed the housings 952 are rotated in the opposite direction 971 to shift the interference members 920 toward the second locations 974 . Consequently, unless the release 960 is depressed the interference members 920 counteract the tension force 948 and prevent rotation of the rotating member 902 .
• the housings 952 are rotated in direction 971 to shift the interference members 920 along the sloped surfaces 930 toward the second location 974 near the stop surfaces 932 .
• the compression forces 944 are substantially reduced and the rotating member 902 can turn freely round the support shaft 918 , permitting the flexible tension member 585 to be unwound.
• This configuration is typically used to move the string carrier 480 forward into engagement with the draw string 501 or to transfer the tension force 948 to the cocking handle 454 during de-cocking. If the flexible tension member 585 is under load, the user must first rotate the cocking handle 454 forward toward the top of the crossbow 400 to release the tension force 948 before the release 960 can be depressed.
• the user can rotates the cocking handle 454 to cock the crossbow 400 .
• Operation of the rotation arrester 910 is substantially silent.
• Operation of the springs 962 on the release 960 bias the housings 952 in direction 970 so the interference members 920 are urged to the first locations 972 . If at any time the user releases the cocking handle 454 , the force 948 on the flexible tension member 585 and the bias on the housings 952 automatically shift to the first location 972 to activate the rotation arrester 910 (unless the release 960 is depressed) and prevent rotation of the rotating member 902 .
• FIGS. 31A-31C are perspective, top, and side views of a reduced length crossbow 400 with the trigger assembly 550 moved forward along the center rail 402 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• Locating the trigger assembly 550 well in front of the bowstring catch 502 on the string carrier 480 when in the drawn configuration is commonly known as a bullpup configuration.
• Various crossbows with a bullpup configuration are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,671,923 (Goff et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 9,140,516 (Hyde); U.S. Pat. No. 9,528,789 (Biafore et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 9,658,025 (Trpkovski), which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
• the bullpup configuration of the present crossbow 400 preferably includes substantially the same components as the other embodiments disclosed herein, including the riser 404 mounted at the distal end 406 of the center rail 402 and the stock 408 located at the proximal end 410 .
• the stock 408 includes an integral check rest 1012 located over the string carrier 480 when in the retracted position.
• the riser 404 includes the limbs 420 extending rearward toward the proximal end 410 .
• String carrier 480 is captured by and slides in the center rail 402 as discussed herein.
• the string carrier 480 can be moved to the retracted position using the disclosed cocking mechanisms 484 , 900 , the cocking ropes 810 (see e.g., FIGS. 18A and 28A ), or any other suitable mechanism.
• the release 576 for the cocking mechanism 484 , 900 is located in the butt-plate 1010 of the stock 408 .
• the user wraps his fingers around the butt-plate 1010 during cocking/de-cocking of the crossbow 400 , while operating the release 576 with his thumb.
• scope mount 412 extends from a location behind the string carrier 480 on the stock 408 to the power cable bracket 608 on the riser 404 .
• the scope mount 412 can be attached to just the stock 408 or to just the power cable bracket 608 , without the attachment point on the stock 408 .
• the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 are located between about 4 inches to about 10 inches forward of the string carrier 480 (when in the retracted position) and closer to the distal end 406 than in the other embodiments disclosed herein, with a corresponding decrease in the length of the stock 408 .
• the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 are located proximate the midpoint 1006 between the distal end 406 and the proximal end 410 of the crossbow 400 of FIG. 31 .
• the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 are near the midpoint 1006 within 10%, and more preferably 5%, of the overall length of the crossbow 400 of FIG. 31 . For example, if the overall length of the crossbow 400 is 28 inches, the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 are located within 2.8 inches of the midpoint 1006 , and more preferably within 1.4 inches of the midpoint 1006 .
• Locating the trigger 558 and hand grip 1004 near the midpoint 1006 provides better balance and reduces the overall length of the crossbow 400 .
• the front to back center of gravity is located closer to the hand grip 1004 .
• center of gravity refers primarily to the forward and back center of gravity, since it is assumed the side-to-side center of gravity is located along a central longitudinal axis of the center rail 402 .
• the front to back center of gravity 1008 of the crossbow 400 is near the midpoint 1006 within 15%, and more preferably 10%, of the overall length of the crossbow 400 . For example, if the overall length of the crossbow 400 is 28 inches, the front to back center of gravity 1008 is located within 4.2 inches of the midpoint 1006 , and more preferably within 2.8 inches of the midpoint 1006 .
• the extremely small include angle 403 of the draw string 501 when the crossbow 400 is in the drawn configuration (see e.g., FIGS. 13A and 14A ) that sweeps the draw string 501 forward and closer to the center rail 402 to create a gap between the bowstring and the user's face.
• the included angle 403 is less than about 25 degrees and more preferably less than about 20 degrees.
• FIG. 32 illustrates the crossbow 400 with the stock 408 and center rail 402 hidden to reveal the trigger assembly 550 .
• the trigger assembly 550 is substantially the same as illustrated in FIG. 18A , except that trigger linkage 559 is elongated to compensate for moving the trigger 558 forward closer to the distal end 406 (see FIG. 31C ).
• trigger linkage 559 rotates sear 514 in the clockwise direction to a de-cocked position 557 and the catch 502 moves to the open position 505 to release the draw string 501 (see e.g., FIG. 18B ).

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